Special Olympics Sweden, part of the Swedish Parasport Federation, provides grassroots and recreational sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to give everyone, regardless of ability, the chance to lead an active life. We achieve this by organising regional, national, and international sporting events – and by advocating for inclusion while supporting local sports clubs with the knowledge and tools they need to develop their activities for these athletes. Today, there are more than 10,000 Special Olympics athletes across Sweden.

Step by step towards an active life

At Special Olympics Sweden, we never talk about organic growth – at least not in terms of numbers or statistics. When we speak of growth, we mean people: children, young people, and adults with intellectual disabilities who may be taking their very first steps into the world of sport, discovering the joy of movement, and gaining the confidence to keep growing and developing.

A shining example is Special Olympics School Days, supported from the start by our main partner, Sigma. In 2025, we had record numbers of applications and events. But the figures only tell part of the story. Each School Day brings pupils from special needs primary and secondary schools into the world of organised sport for the first time. For many, it is the start of a journey – from a taster session to a family camp, then on to regular sport and participation in national competitions. And for some, the journey continues all the way to international Special Olympics events.

This is how we grow together: a pupil trying a new sport at school, a family discovering the joy of being active together, a sports club opening its doors wider. Each experience creates a ripple effect, giving more people the opportunity to lead healthier, more active lives. With every step, sport becomes more inclusive, communities grow stronger, and opportunities expand.

2025 in brief

In 2025, we held nearly 30 School Days, our Team Sweden competed in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, and we hosted a Pre-Games event in Malmö ahead of next year’s major sporting competition.

A major milestone this year was the launch of the report “Health Barriers for Children with Intellectual Disabilities”, in collaboration with Generation Pep. The report draws on results from a unique health survey designed specifically for children with intellectual disabilities. Insights like these allow us – together with society – to create better conditions for children and young people to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Organic growth, a strategy that strengthens culture and value.
Read more about our 2025
Subsidiary groups
6
Additional holdings
13
Involvement
18
Our involvement
Our contribution to the world around us.